Are Mount Duro and Zepbound (generic name not specified) the same medication?

Mounjaro and Zepbound Are the Same Drug

Yes, Mounjaro and Zepbound are the same medication (tirzepatide), but they are marketed under different brand names for different FDA-approved indications.

Understanding Tirzepatide's Different Brand Names

Tirzepatide is marketed under two different brand names in the United States:

1. Mounjaro: FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management
2. Zepbound: FDA-approved specifically for weight management/obesity treatment

This is similar to how some other medications are marketed under different brand names for different indications, despite containing the same active ingredient.

Key Information About Tirzepatide

• Mechanism of Action: Tirzepatide is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist
• Administration: Administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection
• Dosing: Available in multiple dose strengths (up to 15 mg)
• Cost: According to recent pricing data, the median AWP (Average Wholesale Price) is approximately $1,283 for a 30-day supply of the maximum dose (15 mg) 1

Clinical Efficacy

Tirzepatide has demonstrated significant efficacy in:

• Weight Management: In clinical trials, tirzepatide produced substantial weight reduction of approximately 19-20% of body weight over 72-176 weeks, which was superior to both placebo and semaglutide 2, 3
• Diabetes Prevention: In participants with obesity and prediabetes, tirzepatide reduced the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes by approximately 93% compared to placebo over a 3-year period 2

Practical Implications

The use of different brand names for the same medication can potentially lead to medication errors. Research has shown that similar drug names can cause confusion among healthcare providers and patients 4. To avoid potential errors:

• Always verify both the brand and generic names when prescribing or dispensing
• Educate patients that these are the same medication with different approved indications
• Be aware that insurance coverage may differ depending on which indication the medication is prescribed for

Side Effects and Monitoring

The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal in nature, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

These side effects are typically mild to moderate and occur primarily during the dose escalation period 2, 3.

Conclusion

While Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the identical active ingredient (tirzepatide), they are marketed under different brand names for their respective FDA-approved indications. This practice of marketing the same drug under different names for different indications is not uncommon in the pharmaceutical industry but requires careful attention from healthcare providers to avoid confusion and medication errors.